AmaWaterways

Budapest

Hungary

Central Europe

Anniversary Sale - Save Â£375 per person

AmaSonata

7-night from Budapest to Vilshofen Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, witnessing firsthand how this storied river inspired artists, poets, and musicians. Experience the unique seasonal celebrations ahead of the holiday crowds in three magnificent capitals: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Keep your eye out for the many Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike set out on breathtaking city tours free from the holiday crowds and cruise through the enchanting Strudengau Valley, letting the melodies of the Danube carry you from one gem to another on a regal journey through time.

Amawaterways - 5%

EMBARKATION Arrive in Budapest and board your luxurious river cruise ship. (D)

Buda city tour OR Castle Hill hike Pest city tour Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city's Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman's Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest's Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes' Square and the moving "Shoes on the Danube Bank" memorial. (B,L,D)

"Coronation City" walking tour OR Bratislava Castle hike OR Tastes of Slovakia Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title "Coronation City of Kings" as you'll discover during your walking tour. Or join a culinary host to sample traditional Slovakian specialties, as well as learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli with an opportunity to taste your own creation. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)

Bratislava

City tour OR Vienna bike tour Free time The "City of Waltzes" offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna's historic city center and then visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. (B,L,D)

Vienna

Highlights of Dürnstein and Melk Abbey OR Weissenkirchen to Melk bike tour OR Weissenkirchen walking tour and Melk Abbey OR Dürnstein excursion with wine and apricots tastings OR Dürnstein fortress hike Strudengau Valley and UNESCO Wachau Valley Exclusive castle visit with private reception After reaching Weissenkirchen, you'll be treated to several choices of excursions. Take a walking tour of Dürnstein before visiting the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. Or opt for a walking tour of Weissenkirchen followed by an abbey visit. For a more culinary-focused experience, join a walking tour in Dürnstein, then enjoy a wine tasting hosted by a local vintner and sample special apricot treats from a local boutique. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour to Melk or hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Later in the day, sail through the Strudengau and Wachau valleys to medieval Grein for an exclusive visit to the more than 500-year-old Greinburg Castle, looming regally from above. While here, enjoy a folklore show and wine reception. (B,L,D)

Weissenkirchen, Dürnstein, Scenic Cruising, Grein

Full-day Salzburg excursion OR Full-day ÄŒeský Krumlov excursion OR "UNESCO City of Media Arts" walking tour OR "Cultural Mile" bike tour Distillery tour The ship arrives in Linz where you'll have several choices of excursions. For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. You may also choose to join a full-day excursion to the charming Czech mountain town of ÄŒeský Krumlov, where you can stroll its cobblestone streets marvel at the city's picturesque Baroque and Renaissance-style buildings and tour Krumlov Castle, one of Europe's largest castle complexes. Following these full-day excursions, you may also choose to take a brief walking tour in Linz. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House or bike along the city's famed "Cultural Mile" and the Danube. In the afternoon, embark on a journey into the fascinating world of whiskey distillation on an exciting guided tour. (B,L,D) Full-day excursions not combinable with other tours on this day

Linz

"City of Three Rivers" walking tour OR Passau bike tour OR Passau Castle hike Exclusive Oktoberfest celebration Discover the 2,000-year-old city of Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube River, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to a festive Oktoberfest celebration with local beer, Bavarian folk music and dancing-an AmaWaterways exclusive. (B,L,D)

Passau, Vilshofen

DISEMBARKATION This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen. (B)

Vilshofen

Melodies of the Danube

Return UK flights from London or Manchester and overseas transfers included^

Melodies of the Danube (Festive Delights) (Christmas Cruise)

Melodies of the Danube (Festive Delights) (Christmas Cruise)

Travel plan

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